Brahma Kumaris Collaborate in Drugs Menace Fighting Campaign

Arunachal Pradesh: A drugs menace-fighting campaign spearheaded by Dr. Sopai Tawsik, Pathology TRIHMS (Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Sciences) and Chairman MWS (Mishmi Welfare Society) in collaboration with Brahma Kumaris and sponsored by State’s Sports and Youth Affairs Department was launched in Arunachal Pradesh. This campaign aimed at sensitizing  people against Opium addiction. The campaign has received an overwhelming response.

BK Dr Sachin Parab, a crusader on de-addiction, is working as a Consultant Trainer in BSES MG hospital. He has taken the most challenging task of de-addiction project of Brahma Kumaris and motivated thousands of youth to give up addiction. He has specialization in the field of clinical research and is working in the Indian pharmaceutical industry and clinical research organizations for the last 13 years as a visiting faculty for the MBA students of clinical research in Mumbai.

The team comprised of: Dr. Sopai Tawsik, Pathology TRIHMS and Chairman of MWS; Dr. Sachin Parab, Consultant Trainer in BSES MG Hospital; Habung Hailang, Supreintendent of Police, Anjaw; Advocate Sunil, General Secretary of Mishmi Welfare Society; Behenso Pul, Public Leader; Sh. Mayeso Pul, Ex- Zila Parishad Member.

Dr. Sachin Parab, accompanied with Dr. Tawsik, set out for Anjaw district and other districts to sensitize youth and affected people against opium, wine, tobacco and other drugs. The team conducted public talks and rallies at 5 locations – Anini(Headquarters of Dibang Valley District), Hayuliang(A Village Panchayat, Anjaw District), Hawai (District Headquarters, Anjaw District), Hunli (A town of Lower Dibang Valley District), and Etalin (A small Village in Dibang Valley District). At all locations, the students were involved in large numbers. The local schools co-operated very well and the Members of school staff along with the students participated in the sessions as well as the rallies. The local senior Administrative Officials also participated in the campaign extending their great support. Among the guests at various locations are:

Mr. Tony Mitkong, EAC; Naruju Mihu, Joint Secretary, Mishmi Welfare Society; Sunil Mow, General Secretary, Mishmi Welfare Society; Dr. Sonani T; Dr. SP; Khodor Melo, Principal of Government High Secondary School, Anini; Dr. K. Loyi, DHO; Dr. (Mrs) S. Chai Pul, DMO, Lohit; Habung Hailang, Superintendent of Police, Anjaw;  Assistant District Collector, Hayuling; Dr. Jitenso Nagadong; Mayeso Pul, Ex- Zila Parishad Member; Dr. Saumitra Bardhan, Medical Officer, Hawai; S Minin, Sub Divisional Officer; Kaling Tayeng, Medical Officer; Dr. Arvind Hindique, Medical Officer, Etalin; Jaha Mele, Principal, Etalin School. Jally Umpo, EAC; and W Chautang, DPO.   

Anjaw being under at red alert of opium addiction where the number of addicts has increased in alarming proportions; hence, sensitization of the youth and the adults dreading addiction is the need of the hour here. The illegal cultivation of opium in the state, producing 765 tons of opium annually, maximum in Anjaw District, has made this state a National Threat. Hence the team persuaded the masses to switch to alternative crops like Kiwi, orange, cardamom and seasonal vegetables as alternative crops to killer crop opium. They motivated them to go for skill development and become self employed.

‘I have called Dr. Sachin to create awareness and educate our innocent people about ill effects of opium, said Dr. Tawsik.  He pitched to appeal to the students to bring awareness on ill effects of opium and other substances and advise the people to dissuade from its cultivation.

Dr. Sachin, in his address said, the highest cause of death in India is tobacco, killing more than 10 lakh people annually. People who use tobacco are more likely to have heart attacks, high blood pressure, blood clots, strokes, hemorrhage and cardiovascular disorders. He advised youngsters to avoid peer pressure for consumption leading to addiction. Citing huge production of opium in Arunachal, he exhorted the students to get rid of all forms of addiction for good health. Dr. Sachin highlighted the dreaded consequences of opium, tobacco, alcohol, and other contraband substances. He suggested the ADC and SP to ensure strict enforcement of law against these illegal practices.

Mayoso Pul, former Hawai District Panchayat Member, as chief guest, shared his bitter experience of opium addiction and its detrimental effects on community. Local leader Behenso Pul quoting his personal survey, said that 180 of the 1000 households in Hawai circle are found opium addicts.

S. Potom, Assistant District Collector, Anjaw and Habung Haliyang, Superintendent of Police suggested holistic approach to eradicate the deep rooted menace and assured to support the campaign.

Dr. Sachin Parab and team also gave a talk at Tezu Radio Station to motivate the masses of Arunachal Pradesh against opium use and cultivation. The talk was very well received.

Arunachal Pradesh has been subject to very little scholarly attention so far. The state is one of the least studied states of India and very little is known about the current illegal opium production there and history and dynamics of its development. The campaign is the first attempt to bring light upon this largely ignored phenomenon, according to a release. Brahmakumaris, on a war-front, are helping the addicts and their family members, and so far a great number of people have successfully quit opium addiction through meditation. The organization has become popular as a ‘De-addiction organization’ in the area.